BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Natalie Cochran, a pharmacist previously convicted of orchestrating a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme, is now standing trial on charges of first-degree murder in the death of her husband, Michael Cochran. The trial, expected to last up to four weeks, begins today with opening statements at 9 a.m.
Background of the Case
Michael Cochran died on February 11, 2019, after nearly 19 years of marriage to Natalie. At the time of his death, Natalie was operating an elaborate Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors, including Michael’s parents, out of millions of dollars.
In 2021, Natalie pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud and other charges related to the scheme and was sentenced to 135 months in prison. During her federal sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Frank Volk remarked on her continued fraudulent activities, saying, “Even while her husband lay dying, she was attempting to continue the perpetration of her extensive fraud and even in a more robust and thoughtful way.”
Murder Charges and Investigation
Natalie was first indicted for Michael’s murder in November 2021. However, those charges were dismissed in April 2023 at the request of prosecutors, who sought to exhume Michael’s body for additional testing. Following the exhumation and further investigation, Natalie was re-indicted on murder charges in October 2023.
Defense and Prosecution Strategies
While the defense has not explicitly outlined its strategy, Natalie previously suggested that Michael’s death could be linked to substance abuse. During her federal sentencing, she stated, “When Michael began to take steroids and using illicit supplements, he was using far and above the normal doses and processing controversial alternative therapies. It became his addiction. … Every day I wish Mike were here. I wish he hadn’t left me to deal with this alone. I wish that he had never started the drugs.”
The prosecution, however, plans to argue that Natalie’s actions and motives were tied to her financial crimes and potential benefits from Michael’s death. Both sides intend to present expert witnesses and testimony from family members during the trial.
Public Access to the Trial
The high-profile case is being broadcast live on Court TV, Court TV’s YouTube page, and can also be streamed on Lootpress.com via Court TV’s coverage.
Potential Sentencing
Natalie Cochran, who is still serving her federal prison sentence, faces a potential life sentence if convicted of her husband’s murder.
The trial is expected to shed light on the complex intertwining of Natalie’s financial schemes and the circumstances surrounding Michael’s death, as both the defense and prosecution prepare to present their cases in the coming weeks.
